Kyriarchy
Kyriarchy is a social system or set of connecting social systems built around domination, oppression, and submission. The term was coined by feminist theologian Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza in 2001 to describe intersecting social systems of power and oppression beyond the traditional concept of patriarchy.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The word "kyriarchy" is derived from the Greek words kyrios (meaning "lord" or "master") and archē (meaning "authority" or "rule"). It is intended to highlight the multiplicity of intersecting social hierarchies that contribute to systemic oppression.
Conceptual Framework[edit | edit source]
Kyriarchy expands on the concept of patriarchy, which focuses primarily on gender-based oppression, by including other forms of social stratification such as race, class, sexual orientation, ability, and more. It emphasizes that these systems of oppression are interconnected and cannot be examined in isolation.
Intersectionality[edit | edit source]
Kyriarchy is closely related to the concept of intersectionality, which was introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Intersectionality examines how various social identities overlap and contribute to unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Power Dynamics[edit | edit source]
In a kyriarchal system, power is not held by a single group but is distributed across various axes of identity. This means that individuals can simultaneously experience privilege and oppression depending on the context and the specific social identities involved.
Criticisms[edit | edit source]
Some critics argue that the term "kyriarchy" is too broad and can dilute the focus on specific forms of oppression, such as sexism or racism. Others believe that it provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding the complexity of social hierarchies.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Kyriarchy is used in various fields, including sociology, feminist theory, and theology, to analyze and critique social structures. It is particularly useful in discussions about social justice and activism, where understanding the interplay of different forms of oppression is crucial.
Also see[edit | edit source]
| Part of a series on |
| Sociology |
|---|
.svg) |
|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
